Chapter 4 Summary

Masvita has started her monthly bleeding, so now she is entering womanhood. Nhamo is slightly jealous, more jealous than she would like to admit. With great ceremony, Masvita is sent to her aunt's house in another village to be instructed in the ways of women.

Nhamo goes to her special place to talk with her imaginary mother. She can express her jealousy without punishment. A realization hits Nhamo: when she is ready, what aunt will she go to? It is traditional to go to one of your father's sisters, but she doesn't even know if her father has a sister. She is confident that Grandmother will know how to contact him when the time comes.

Nhamo heads back to the village, sure that Aunt Chipo will yell at her for neglecting her work. Instead, Grandmother takes Nhamo into her hut. Grandmother seems to notice Nhamo's jealousy and...